C-Section Recovery Must-Haves
- Lauren Catron
- Jun 17, 2021
- 6 min read
While at this point it is still up in the air whether I will delivery vaginally or have another C-section, I am mentally preparing for both. Currently, the plan is to let nature take its course, but if things don't work out that way, I have a C-section scheduled for August 31. As I prepare for the arrival of our sweet baby girl, I've been slowly putting together a "recovery kit" of items to have on hand once we are home. While this article is geared toward C-section recovery, many of these items are beneficial to have on hand no matter the delivery you have! Also Note: Not all these items are necessary, but they do make things a little easier!
Heavy-Duty Maxi Pads - Fact: even if you have a Caesarean, you will still bleed vaginally. I don't know why I didn't comprehend this with my first birth, but it's true. It didn't hit me until I woke up from recovery wearing an adult diaper.
My favorites are the Always Extra Heavy Overnight Maxi Pads. They are highly absorbent and long enough to cover everything. Plus, they have a special "LeakGuard Core" and flexible wings.
Cost: $9.43
Mesh Underwear - Some people rag on these mesh underwear like they are the devil, but honestly? I loved them. I probably wore them longer than needed, but I thought they were comfortable. Plus, I didn't run the risk of ruining any of my own underwear. The hospital will provide these - ask for extras! I also plan on buying some off Amazon to have a stack on hand.
Cost: $17.88 for a pack of 10
Free, Provided by the hospital
High-waisted Underwear - Once you graduate from the mesh panties, you will want some high-waisted underwear to avoid rubbing your surgical incision. I bought a cheap pack from Target and they worked great. Enough coverage to hold in your pad, and high enough not to rub. Plus, it felt like it held everything in.
Cost: $9.49 for 6
Peri Bottle - Another "gift" from the hospital. These bottles are great for helping cleanup after using the bathroom. Frida Mom also sells one that has an angled neck for better ergonomics. I haven't tried this one, but it has great reviews. Put some warm water in there, and you'll be thankful.
Cost: $15.97, Frida Mom
Free, Provided by the hospital
Ice Packs - Whether you went through labor and ended up with an emergency C-section, or it was scheduled procedure, you will still be sore. I was swollen and ice packs were a major saver. Snag a few from the hospital or buy some cheap ones to throw in your freezer before delivery. Your private parts will thank you.
Cost: $20.99 for 12
Free, Provided by the hospital
Compression Socks - Speaking of swelling, you will swell thanks to all the fluids they push on you during your surgery. I'd never seen my feet look so big - I looked like I had elephantiasis. I did not use compression socks this first time around, but plan to buy some for baby number two. I'm not sure if they will help, but it's a risk I'm willing to take.
Cost: $29.95
Ibuprofen and Tylenol - After a few days of pain meds, your OB will likely prescribe ibuprofen and Tylenol. Or you may take it while alternating your pain meds. Either way, buy a big bottle to have on hand. It really does help with the pain. Plus, it's not as scary as having pain meds in your system if you are planning to breastfeed. Buy the generic, it's all the same stuff. It also doesn't constipate you like other pain medications do.
Cost: $3.89 for 200 count
Stool Softener - If I had to recommend only one thing for post-partum recovery, it would be stool softeners. If you have a scheduled C-section, start taking them beforehand. Ask for them in the hospital. Take them any chance you can get (safely, of course). Because that first postpartum poop will be the scariest thing you've ever done. Anything to help ease the process is well worth it. Like seriously, I'm not joking - take the stool softeners!!!!!!
Cost: Priceless (not really, but really).
$8.98 for 30
Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads - God-forbid you don't take the stool softeners you will need some relief. Get a big tub of Tucks and keep them by your toilet. The cooling sensation will help with any itching, swelling or tenderness you may have.
Cost: $6.99
Boppy Nursing Pillow or Inflatable Cushion - No matter what type of birth you have, your southern region will be sore. It may be difficult to find a position that is comfortable. Sitting on a Boppy Nursing Pillow or inflatable cushion may help take some of the pressure off. Plus, having a pillow between your tummy and your baby (while nursing, feeding, snuggling) will help protect your incision from getting kicked.
Cost: $40
Wedge Pillow/Extra Pillows - Pillows will be your best friend for at least the next four to six weeks. I used a support pillow on my tummy any time I coughed, sneezed, moved/shifted positions, sitting, sleeping, propping your swollen piggies up, you name it. Have several in close reach to help make yourself comfortable. I also used a wedge pillow at night to sleep. Your abdominal muscles will be non-existent after your section, so lying in bed/getting out of bed will be difficult.
Cost: $44.99
Belly Binder - This was another item I did not use the first time around, but I wonder if it will have helped any. I think it would have helped provide the support I needed (see previous comments on the pillows), but I also wonder if it would have helped with my now mom pooch.
Cost: $39.00
* I am told if you ask at your hospital, they may provide one for you. Never hurts to ask!
Loose Fitting, Breastfeeding-friendly Clothes - Changing your clothes will be low on your priority list once your new baby comes. Find some comfy clothes that are loose fitting to protect your incision, and also breastfeeding-friendly if you plan to nurse. I've mentioned these pajamas in a previous post and I still recommend them now. Find something that works for you - and maybe choose dark clothes so people don't notice any stains. 😉
Cost: $22.99
These next items don't necessarily coincide with a particular type of delivery, but they are nice to have in the postpartum realm.
Lanolin Nipple Cream - If you plan on breastfeeding, your nipples will be tender. Having a nipple cream, or coconut oil on hand will help keep them moisturized and help with soreness.
Cost: $7.99
Medela Tender Care™ Hydrogel Pads - These Tender Care HydroGel reusable pads provide instant cooling relief as soon as you put them on. They also provide protection from chaffing in those early days when your nipples are extra sensitive and tender. They are reusable (for up to 24 hours) so after I would nurse or pump, I’d stick them on until the next feeding/pumping session.
You can buy them anywhere you purchase breastfeeding supplies. They are $9.99 for a package of four.
Cost: $9.99
Nursing pads are lifesavers from always leaking through your bra and shirt. You can purchase reusable or disposable pads that stick to the insides of your bras to protect from leakage. They are great for when you are trying to regulate your milk and you don’t want the whole world to know you are lactating.
I bought the Target brand and didn’t have any issues. Make sure you always have a few on hand for that surprise moment at the grocery store when you hear another baby cry!!
Cost: Disposable - Around $6 to $10
Washable: Around $10 to $20
Nursing Bra - I’ll be honest with you, I have yet to find a nursing bra that I love. But the ones I did use were still so much better than a regular bra. Again, it’s all about the easy access. Nursing bras are equipped with clips on each strap so that you can unclick and pull down to quickly access your breast. With a regular bra, its easy to stretch them out if you are always pulling on them.
Cost: Varies
Haakaa Manual Breast Pump - This is also one I highly recommend to new moms. I was late to the game with Henry on the Haakaa, and I wish I would have used it sooner! I was a little intimidated by it, but man, if I had used it those first few weeks, I wouldn’t have wasted so much leaked milk!
The Haakaa is a silicone pump that lets you express milk using suction. To use, simply squeeze and place on your breast and it will naturally suck milk out of your breast. I would attach it to the opposite side of what Henry was nursing on, and when I had a letdown, it would collect my milk! I would collect it throughout the day and get enough to freeze for a later date!
You can find a Haakaa pretty much anywhere breastfeeding supplies are sold. They range from about $10 to $30 depending on the version you get.
Price: $10 to $30
Extra Hands
Whether it's friends, family, or hired help, having an extra helping hand is extremely beneficial. Postpartum life is a whirlwind, and even more so when you are also trying to heal from major abdominal surgery. Go easy on yourself, and please ask for help. And remember, those dishes, or laundry, or whatever can wait. 💕
What else would you add to your C-section recovery kit? Share them in the comments below!
Good luck mama!
XOXO
Lauren
Podcast Suggestion: The Mommy Labor Nurse has a great episode on "I Wish I Knew This After My C-Section." It's episode 81, and you can find it anywhere you listen to podcasts.
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